An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and delivery.

Women have the option to choose an obstetrician as their primary care physician.

You can see an obstetrician in your health plan's network without a referral.

When you choose an obstetrician, ask which network hospital you will go to for the birth.

The law protects your right to continuity of care during your pregnancy. This means that if your doctor leaves your health plan after you are 6 months pregnant, you can usually see the same doctor until after the birth. Check with your health plan.

Ask your doctor or health plan about classes on childbirth, breastfeeding, nutrition, and exercise during pregnancy.

By law, health plans must cover at least 2 days in the hospital after a vaginal delivery and 4 days after a delivery by C-section.

There are time limits on when you can enroll your baby in your health plan. If you have a baby or adopt a child, ask your health plan or your employer right away about when to add your new baby or child to your health plan.